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Meet Our Team. 

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

At CAST & Crowns Performing Arts Center, our dedicated staff is passionate about nurturing creativity, building confidence, and inspiring excellence in every student. With diverse expertise in dance, theater, voice, and more, our team is committed to providing a supportive and enriching environment where students can thrive.

 

Get to know the talented individuals who bring their experience and enthusiasm to every class, helping our students shine both on and off the stage!

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Owner and Artistic Director

Christy Corley Sanders

Christy founded the studio in 2010 to create a premier youth performing arts center in Clarksville. Accredited by Dance Masters and Dance Educators of America, Christy holds a BA in Dance/Theater, an MA in Christian and Performing Arts, and is a licensed Christian counselor and ordained minister.
With over 40 years of experience, Christy’s students have achieved success as collegiate dancers, professional performers, and fine arts educators. Her choreography has earned national recognition, and CAST Troupe teams consistently win top awards at regional and national competitions.
A former Miss America Organization performer and current State Director for the Worlds Miss Tourism Pageant, Christy is passionate about inspiring young artists to achieve their dreams.

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Co-Owner and Business Manager

Marcie Parker

Marcie’s journey in the competitive dance world began as a dedicated dance mom when her daughter started dancing at the age of four. Recognizing a need at CAST & Crowns, she stepped in to help develop a nonprofit that gives back to the community. With an extensive background in business as a Corporate Compliance Director, Marcie saw this as an opportunity to expand her expertise into new areas.

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Austin Peay State University and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

Marcie is Passionate about making a difference, 

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Dance Instructor

Naomi Jones

Naomi has been dancing since she was 7 years old! Growing up in a military family, she moved often but always found joy in dance. She began competing at age 10 and fell in love with all styles of dance, though her passion lies in choreography—there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a dance come to life.

In high school, Naomi was active in JROTC and served as cheer captain, which helped shape her leadership skills.

Dance has always been her escape, and she is so grateful to share her passion by teaching the next generation of dancers!

Outside of dance, she works at Hancook Tire Company and loves spending time with her family, friends, and my dogs.

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Dance Instructor

Chalan Sanders

Chalan Sanders is an Austin Peay State University graduate. She is currently attending the University of Knoxville for political science, and will be graduate in 2027.

Growing up the performing arts, Chalan trained in dance, singing, acting, tumbling, and visual arts.

She was a regional and national champion with CAST Show Troupe, trained at Broadway Dance Center in NYC, and attended the Starpower Power Pak Dance intensive.

Chalan was also a member of the APSU Dance Team, an All-Star UCA Cheerleader, and became a Certified Gold-Level Tumbling and Gymnastics Instructor. She loves sharing her passion by teaching private lessons in dance, leaps & turns, and tumbling at CAST & Crowns.

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Dance Instructor

McKinzee Horrocks

Mckinzee was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She started dancing at 12 years old and quickly fell in love with performing. She was a competitve dancer at a local studio and a member of her high school drill team. McKinzee was also apart of Noble Motion Pre- Pofessional dance team for 2 years.

In 2025, she graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance.

After graduation, she had the incredible opportunity to spend seven months at Walt Disney World as part of the Disney College Program.

Her goal is to help every student build confidence, strengthen their technique, and discover a meaningful love for dance.

Outside of dance, McKinzee serves at Drakes, loves traveling, and enjoy spending time with her fiancé.

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Theatre and Vocalist Instructor

Reina Cranford

​Reina is a musical theatre performer, vocalist, educator, and theatre artist with a Bachalor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from Siena Heights University.

Her performance credits include Mamma Mia!, Chicago, Godspell, Children of Eden, and Macbeth, along with experience in directing, stage management, and costuming.

Reina is passionate about helping young performers build confidence, creativity, and a love for the performing arts. Currently based in Clarksville, Tennessee, she brings energy, leadership, and heart to every creative space.

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Dance Instructor

Ella Childers

Ella has been dancing for the past 17 years and has been choreographing for the last 3 years, with hip hop and contemporary being her favorite styles. She loves using dance as a way to express creativity, build confidence, and connect with others.

As a teacher and choreographer, Ella encourages her dancers to be themselves, step outside their comfort zones, and most importantly, have fun!

Ella is so excited to share her love for dance and create an energetic, positive environment for every dancer.

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Dance Instructor

Jireh Livingston

Jireh Livingston is currently a dance major at Austin Peay State University and a member of the majorette dance team.

She previously competed with CAST Show Troupe at CAST & Crowns.

Jireh has attended the Debbie Allen academy in Los Angeles, California. She also attended New York Fashion Week as a model.

Jireh is the reigning International Girl Queen.

She brings her passion, experience, and love for CAST & Crowns.

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Modeling Instructor

Mya Terry

Mya Terry is a member of Clarksville Academy’s Senior class of 2027 and serves as captain of the school’s dance team. She has been dancing since she was a little girl and is a competitive dancer with CAST Show Troupe.

Mya has extensive modeling experience in New York and Miami. She’s attends New York fashion week each year and has also modeled for Miami fashion week in Austin, Texas. She is the reigning 2027 National Miss American Beauty Teen.

Outside of dance, Mya is actively involved with young life, and enjoys spending time with her family and dogs.

Meet the Board.

The Board of Directors at CAST & Crowns Performing Arts Center is dedicated to our mission of making the arts accessible to all students, including those with special needs and from low-income families. As a Non-Profit 501c3, we are committed to fostering creativity, confidence, and opportunity for every child.

 

Our board members bring a wealth of expertise, passion, and leadership to guide our vision and ensure that every student can experience the joy and benefits of the performing arts. Together, we strive to create a community where the arts are for everyone.

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Christy Corley Sanders

President

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Marcie Parker

Vice-President

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Melinda Ross

Secretary

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Amey Graybeal

Treasurer

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Liz Lane

Board Member

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Hagan Stone

Board Member

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